8 Tips for Young Adults and Next Gen Leaders to Advance in Their Careers
There are some behaviors in the workplace that elevate everyone and make them feel more positive. One of them is generosity.
Generosity is about how you give and serve others at work whether employees, vendors, or customers.
The value of generosity is that it helps to make a safe environment where people feel able to speak up when there is a problem, and offer solutions and new innovative ideas even if they sound crazy.
Don’t you want that?
Generosity also slows aging and lowers your cortisol (Stress hormone). It releases endorphins which are the brain’s natural painkiller. AND, releases dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin creating the trifecta of happiness – which also reduces stress.
Even better, right?!
Helping makes you happy, as well as a good collaborator. Here are a few ideas to schedule into your week.
1-Assume positive intent, no matter what it looks or sounds like. We don’t always know the circumstances or context of a terse text, vague email, or intense looking expression. It doesn’t mean something is wrong. Your colleague might just be concentrating. Assume that their goals are the same as yours in terms of making the project and company successful. When you do this, even if something is wrong, you are more likely to disarm the other person and lift the positive energy.
2-Support someone’s development. If you aren’t learning on the job the work can feel wasted and less meaningful and purposeful. We all feel better when we are growing. So let’s help each other meet our goals. Find out what everyone on your team is doing for their professional (and maybe personal) development and offer a solution to support. It could be a book, TED talk, podcast, article, a colleague they can shadow, a tutorial or more. If it’s a physical item, add some flair and a note. Receiving gifts is a high.
3-Recommend an expert. Sometimes we have challenges that only a top software engineer, detailed data scientist, or compassionate therapist can solve. If you see a need and know someone, share the the information.
4-Give an introduction. We all need help at times expanding our network, especially newer employees or consultants finding their way. Introduce people to those who can help them in their work, or who can mentor them in a growth opportunity.
5-Mentor or coach a team member or new person. Whether in a 1:1, walk and coach after a meeting, written feedback, or a simple tip to the newbie about the culture and location of the restrooms–everyone can use a little advice.
6-Offer encouragement – to everyone. Don’t blow smoke, but a lot of people even leaders, never get any appreciation, kudos, or positive spin for helping, achieving a milestone, or even trying something that failed. Lift up your people and make the atmosphere brighter and lighter for everyone.
7-Create buzz around a project or initiative to help advance it. Share with other leaders and colleagues what’s happening at the company and positive details you know. It helps the project and also helps other leaders stay informed.
8-Champion someone’s promotion. It’s easy to want to only promote and look after yourself, but there are many talented people who can do more, but don’t have the right connections. Be a talent spotter.
You are doing amazing! Have a great week!